Frame by Frame: A History of Little Orphan Annie :: December 5-30, 2025

Stop by the Evanston Public Library's Main Branch 3rd Floor Exhibition Space to view Frame by Frame: A History of Little Orphan Annie through the end of December 2025.

Deeply embedded in the psyche of most Americans is the story of Little Orphan Annie, an imp adopted by a wealthy bald man who goes by the name Daddy Warbucks. It is well known that Little Orphan Annie wears a bright red dress that clashes with her curly red hair. Annie has a charmingly placid dog named Sandy, and she sings often about the sun coming out, tomorrow. 

These are the things that have seeped by osmosis, into the American collective consciousness over the past 140 years, but there’s more to the story of Little Orphan Annie. 

Come travel with us back in time, as we explore the trajectory of this storied little girl, from her start in an old poem, to the renowned stage and screen adaptations that continue to amuse, delight, and charm us to this day. 

This exhibition is presented in partnership with Music Theater Works and Hive Center for the Book Arts, and is supported by a grant from the Evanston Arts Council.